Joao Gomez plays for Wolves against Crystal Palace (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Manchester United’s list of midfield targets is becoming very long and sources have brought up another name for me today: Joao Gomez.
Note – As ever, the Red Devils’ genuine interest in this Premier League star does not mean that a deal is still in the works or that it will definitely become concrete, as it is absolutely normal for clubs to evaluate a long list of targets in most positions before deciding on their priorities.
Still, it can be revealed that Man United scouts have been keeping an eye on Wolves ace Gomez this season and were one of the clubs to have tracked him in the past.
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It was previously understood that Liverpool were also keeping a close eye on Gomez, but I have reliably heard that interest has now cooled.
So if anyone were to sign Gomez, at least for the time being, it would probably be United. Sources close to a number of leading agents say the Brazilian’s qualities are “strongly rated” at Old Trafford.
Why Manchester United likes Joao Gomez
“There’s a lot of interest in João Gomez,” one source told me. “United scouts have praised his energetic style of play. He is seen as the perfect successor to Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.”
Sources say the situation is most likely to happen next summer rather than this January, as Wolves are “insisting that the player stays.” The club is currently embroiled in a relegation battle and the player’s contract runs until 2030.
Obviously, they will face pressure to sell if they fall, but for now the Wolves will do everything in their power to keep Gomez and help them survive.
There has been no mention of an asking price yet, but sources close to Wolves have remained silent on the matter as their stance is clear and strong that Gomez is under contract and not for sale.
This leaves United with a decision to make – will they focus on Gomez as a long-term priority and wait until the summer, or will Ruben Amorim push for a new signing in the position in January?
Manchester United’s other midfield targets
After all, there are several midfielders who might be more realistic targets in January, with plenty of talent being considered within Old Trafford.
I wrote here that Elliott Anderson is a top target for the Red Devils, but this is also a difficult deal to make in the middle of the season.
There is also interest in the return of Scott McTominay, with Lille wonderland Ayyoub Bouadi a long-term target.
Another player to watch in January could be Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. Amorim also likes him, but a deal may be difficult due to wage demands.
Koby Mainu’s future could also be linked to this, as he wants to leave, but MUFC prevented him from leaving in the summer and could do so again, depending on the availability of his replacement.
